He will stop in 26 countries, meeting Keith, from Seaforth, and the rest of the nine-man army teamalong the way.

It is the first time anyone has attempted to fly around the globe in a gyrocopter.

Keith is responsible for organising the attempt. He said: "It has been a long buildup, a lot of hard work, but it has been worth it.

"With the launch just a short time away we are really excited. It will be the realisation of a twoyear dream."

Keith, who has visited 73 countries, was drafted on to the team 18 months ago because of his travel experience.

The gyrocopter found fame in the Bond film You Only Live Twice, in which Sean Connery took to the skies in Little Nellie. But the team say their gyrocopter is more sophisticated that the one seen in the 1967 film.

It will fly from an army base in Hampshire on April 21.

Money raised by the flight will go to the Dyslexia Institution, NSPCC and the British Red Cross September 11 Campaign.